Electrical system for bomb release mechanisms



M. D. SHOLTZ July 11, 1961 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR BOMB RELEASE MECHANISMS Filed Sept. 29, 1959 INVENTOR. MITCHELL D. SHOLTZ United States Patent C) 2,991,! 0.0 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR BOMB REL'EASE MECHANISMS Mitchell D. Sholtz, 211 Carolina Ave., Mounted Rte., Phoenixville, Pa.

Filed Sept. 29, 1959, Ser. No. 843,318

7 Claims. (CI. 89-15) (Granted under Title 35, US. Code, (1952), sec. 266) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

The present invention relates to material dispensing apparatus and more particularly to electrical control systems for bomb release mechanisms.

Prior electrical control systems for bomb release mechanisms required the generation of an electrical pulse from an intervalometer for activating arelease solenoid, powder charge, or spring-loaded plunger and, in addition, required individual relay-operated transfer switches to sequentially direct each pulse tov a different bomb release mechanism after a preceding mechanism has been fired.

Several significant disadvantages rendered the prior art bomb release control system unsatisfactory. For example, vibrations in an aircraft would cause the transfer switches to chatter and result in accidental operation of the bomb releases. The transfer relay switch was also found to be too slow and unreliable in operation under normal and test conditions for the rapid sequential release of a bomb load by modern high speed aircraft.

One of the principal objects of the invention, therefore, is to provide a bomb release electrical control system which is not so susceptible to the accidental release of a bomb due to vibrations causing the closing of relay contacts. This is accomplished by bodily segregating the transfer switch function from the bomb release mechanism and preferably providing a novel transfer relay unit which can be cushioned against vibrations and/or positioned in a relatively vibration-free portion of an aircraft.

Another object of the invention is to speed up the sequential operation of a plurality of bomb release mechanisms by decimating the actuating pulse duration normally generated by an intervalometer instead of depending upon the decay of an intervalometer-generated pulse before the next sequentially-connected bomb release mechanism is put into circuit. One of the advantages of this feature of the invention is that there is less danger of a pilot operated bomb release pickle switch being held down too long when only one bomb is desired to be released. Faulty operation of the pickle switch in the prior art control system could result in a greater number of bombs being released than desired. The pulse decimating feature provides the pilot with a greater time interval in which to release. the switch. The intervalometer contemplated will generate electrical pulses in timed sequence so long as the pickle switch is held closed.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a novel lightweight, economically manufactured and maintained, and generally fail-safe electrical control system for a plurality of bomb release mechanisms.

Anotherobject of the invention is the provision of an improved and highly reliable electrically-operated bomb release control system having a reduced number of parts.

The invention further resides in certain novel features of construction, combinations and arrangements of parts, and further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which, it pertains from the following description of the present pre- Patented July 11, 1961.

2 ferred embodiment thereof described with reference to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of specification.

The drawing shows a schematic electrical diagram of an electrical control system for bomb release mechanisms embodying the invention with the first of the release; mechanisms being actuated or fired and the remaining two mechanisms being cocked.

It is to be understood that the inventionv is not limited to the details of construction of the release mechanisms and arrangement of parts shown in the drawing and, hereinafter described in detail, but is capable of being otherwise embodied and of being practiced or carried out, in various ways. It is to be further understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and there is on intention to herein limit the invention beyond the requirements of the prior art.

Referring to the drawing, an electrical aircraft bomb release control system embodying the invention comprises a plurality of bomb release mechanisms of the springloaded plunger type generally indicated by the reference. numerals 11, 12 and 13, a bomb release, pickle switch 14, an intervalometer 15, and a relay unit 16. Additional release mechanisms can be added in the manner shown. Only three release mechanisms have been shown for illustrating and describing the inventive concept.

Normally lighted panel lights 21, 22, 23 are provided for indicating when the respective release mechanisms 11, 12, 13 are loaded and ready for dispensing or releasing an article such as a bomb. As each mechanism 11, 12, 13 is actuated, the respective panel lights 21, 22, 23 are deenergized and go out and thereby indicate the instant that the respective mechanisms 11, 12, 13 have been fired or actuated. The drawing shows the mechanism 11 fired and its panel light 21 out. The mechanisms 12, 13v are cocked and the respective panel lights 22, 23 thereof are lighted.

The relay unit 16 forms a compact package that can be. conveniently stowed in a relatively vibration-free part of the aircraft away rfom the bomb release mechanisms 11, 12, 13 which are usually conventionally mounted above the suspended bombs, not shown. The pickle. switch 14 is preferably mounted on an instrument panel in a conventional manner within easy reach of the operator or pilot.

The intervalometer 15 is a conventional unit which emits time-spaced. electrical pulses upon the closure of the pickle switch 14, one terminal of the pickle switch 14 being hot as it is connected to a standard 28 v. D.C. aircraft electrical power supply.

Upon closure of the switch 14, the intervalometer 15, emits an electrical pulse to the relay unit 16, which corn-v prises a firing relay coil 25 operating a normally open transfer switch 26 and a normally open firing switch 27 and a grounded holding relay coil 28 operating a. normally closed firing relay grounding switch 29 and a nor mally open holding switch 30. The pulse energizes the firing relay coil 25, which is grounded through the closed switch 29, and causes the switches 26 and 27 to close. T is respectively results in the simultaneous energization of the coil 28 and the actuation of one of the release mechanisms 11, 12, 13, in a manner to be described.

Once the coil 28 has been energized, the switch 29 opens and deenergizes the coil 25 by disconnecting the same in the manner referred to hereinabove, causes the contacts 26, 27 to open as shown in the drawing. The relay unit 16 is now ready for another pulse from the intervalometer 15.

It is apparent that should the intervalometer 15, in

I some manner, happen to emit a second electrical pulse before the first pulse has been dissipated that the firing coil- 25 will not be energized because it is not grounded as -long as the switch 29 is held open by the energized transfer coil 28.

L, The series-connected and arranged release mechanisms 11, 12, 13 each comprises a spring-loaded plunger 31, 32, 33, respectively, adapted to be fired to a bomb release position by means of a selectively sequentially grounded sole noid coil-34, 35, 36 which withdraws a trigger or locking member 34a, 35a, 36a. Each of the locking members 34a,35a,' 36a are adapted to fit into a notch in the respective plungers 31, 32, 33 for holding the same in cocked position against the biasing action of the compressed springs 31a, 32a, 33a. The firing of each plunger 31, 32, 33, operates to open a normally-closed light switch 37, 38, 39 and respectively disconnects the electrical ground of the panel lights 21, 22, 23. At the same instant, a normally closed relay switch 41, 42, 43 opens by the energization of the respective solenoid coils 34, 35, 36 each via a pivotally-connected mechanical linkage 44, 45, 46 which is respectively fulcrumed at 47, 48, 4

s As pointed out, when the first pulse is emitted from the intervalometer 15, the firing switch 27 is closed until the transfer coil 28 is energized and permits the pulse to be conducted through the closed release mechanism switch 41 to the grounded solenoid coil 34. The energization of the coil 34 releases the spring-loaded plunger 31 to open the panel light switch 37 and thereby darken the light 21. Simultaneously therewith, the switch 41 opens and disconnects the coil 34 from the firing circuit and connects the grounded solenoid coil 35 into the firing circuit through the normally-closed switch 42. The transfer coil 28 remains energized until the pulse is sufficiently dissipated. The term decimated pulse can be lzrzed because the pulse is split between the coils 25 and The release mechanism 12 is now ready to receive an electrical pulse from the standard 28 V. DC. aircraft electrical power supply. Accordingly, the pickle switch 14 may be closed and cause another pulse to fire the relay 25 and close the firing switch 27. Once the firing switch 27 is closed, the solenoid plunger 32 is released, the panel light 22 is darkened, and the mechanism 13 is put into the firing circuit ready for firing when a third pulse is emitted from the intervalometer. Obviously, any number of release mechanisms can be added to the system and operated in the manner described. As each mechanism is fired, it is immediately put out of circuit and, accordingly, does not form a cumulative source of electrical power loss.

Obviously, any number of bomb release mechanisms can be used with the invention. 3 Also, it is obvious that the relay unit 16 can be independently cushioned against shocks and vibrations in a relatively vibration free portion of an aircraft remote from the bomb racks and thereby prevent malfunction and accidental closure of the contacts in the relay unit 16. Another advantage is that in each bomb release mechanism only one mechanically-operated single-throw, doublepole switch is required. This further reduces the possibility of malfunction.

It is the intention to hereby cover not only the preferred construction shown, but all adaptations, modifications, and uses thereof which come within the practice of those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, and the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical control system for the sequential firing of a plurality of bomb release mechanisms of the mechanical latching type having electrical releasing means, comprisng: a normally open arming switch in each of said mechanisms operable to close irreversibly when its respective releasing means is energized, a firing control circuit connecting said arming switches in seres, a normally closed release switch in each of said mechanisms operable to open irreversibly when its respective releasing means is energized, branch circuits operably connecting each of said release switches between the respective releasing means and points in the firing control circut preceding each of the arming switches of the respective mechanisms, firing relay means having a coil adapted to be energized by an electrical pulse and having normally open first and second firing relay switches, and transfer relay means having a grounded coil adapted to be energized upon the closure of said first firing relay switch and having'a normally closed transfer relay switch normally grounding said firing relay coil and a normally open transfer relay switch adapted to connect said transfer relay coil in parallel with said firing relay coil so as to permit said transfer relay coil to be energized for the duration of said pulse, said normally closed transfer relay switch being opened upon the energization of said transfer relay coil and disconnecting the ground of said firing relay coil, and said second firing relay switch adapted to connect said firing control circuit with a source of electrical energy when closed upon the energization of said firing relay means. 7

2. An electrical control system for the sequential firing of a plurality of bomb release mechanisms of the mechanical latching type having electrical releasing means, comprising: a normally open arming switch in each of said mechanisms operable to close irreversibly when its respective releasing means is energized, a firing control circuit connecting said arming switches in series, a normally closed release switch in each of said mechanisms operable to open irreversibly when its respective releasing means is energized, branch circuits operably connecting each of said release switches between the respective releasing means and points in the firing control circuit preceding each of the arming switches of the respectve mechanisms, firing relay means having a coil adapted to be energized by an electrical pulse and having normally open first and second firing relay switches, and transfer relay means having a grounded coil adapted to be energized upon the closure of said first firing relay switch and having a normally closed transfer relay switch normally grounding said firing relay coil and a normally open trans fer relay switch adapted to connect said transfer relay coil in parallel with said firing relay coil so as to permit said transfer relay coil to be energized for the duration of said pulse, said normally closed transfer relay switch being opened upon the energization of said transfer relay coil and disconnecting the ground of said firing relay coil, said second firing relayswitch adapted to connect said firing control circuit with a source of electrical energy when closed upon the energization of said firing relay means, and means resiliently mounting said firing relay means and said transfer relay means as a discrete relay unit remote from the release mechanisms.

3. An electrical control system for the sequential firing of a plurality of bomb release mechanisms of the mechanical latching type having electrical releasng means, comprising: a normally open arming switch in each of said mechanisms operable to close irreversibly when its respective releasing means is energized, a firing control circuit connecting said arming switches in series, a normally closed release switch in each of said mechanisms operable to open irreversibly when its respective releasing means is energized, branch circuits operably connecting each of said release switches between the respective releasing means and points in the firing control circuit preceding each of the arming switches of the respective to an electrical power supply for emitting electrical pulses in timed sequence, firing relay means having a coil adapted to be energized by an electrical pulse emitted from said intervalometer and having normally open first and second firing relay switches, transfer relay means having a ground ed coil adapted to be energized by said electrcal pulse upon the closure of said first firing relay switch and having a normally closed transfer relay switch for normally grounding said firing relay coil and a normally open transfer relay switch adapted to connect said transfer relay coil in parallel with said firing relay coil so as to permit said transfer relay coil to be energzed for the duration of said pulse, said normally closed transfer relay switch being opened upon the energization of said transfer relay coil and disconnecting the ground of said firing relay coil, and said second firing relay switch adapted to connect the firing control circuit of said release mechanisms with a source of electrical energy when closed upon the energization of said firing relay means.

4. In a bomb release system, first bomb release means, second bomb release means, a first actuating plunger in said first bomb release means, a second actuating plunger in said second bomb release means, a first spring biasing said first plunger from a cocked position to a fired position, a second spring biasing said second plunger from a cocked position to a fired position, first solenoid means having a first armature adapted to engage and hold said first plunger in a cocked position, second solenoid means having a second armature adapted to engage and hold said second plunger in a cocked position, first shunt switch means operated by said first plunger in said first bomb release means, second shunt switch means operated by said second plunger in said second bomb release means, electrical conduit means adapted to connect in parallel said first solenoid means and said second solenoid means to a source of electrical energy, said first shunt switch means normally connecting said first solenoid means to the electrical energy source when said first plunger is in a cocked position and putting said second shunt switch means and said second solenoid means in circuit with the electrical energy source when in a fi red position, said second shunt switch means connecting said second solenoid means to the electrical energy source when in a cocked position and disconnecting said second solenoid means from the electrical energy source when in a fired position, first relay means having a normally open first switch adapted to control the connection of said electrical conduit means with the electrical energy source, intervalometer means adapted to emit discrete electrical pulses when connected to the electrical energy source, bomb release switch means controlling the connection of said intervalometer means to the electrical energy source, said first relay means closing said first relay switch when energized by a pulse emitted from said intervalometer means, second relay means, second electrical conduit means electrically connecting said second relay means in parallel with said first relay means and in series with said intervalometer means, said first relay means having a normally-open second switch controlling said second electrical conduit means and the connection of said second relay means with said intervalometer means, said second relay means having a normally closed first switch controlling the connection of said first relay means to ground, and third electrical conduit means connecting said second relay means to said intervalometer means, and said second relay means having a normally open second switch in said third electrical conduit means controlling the connection of said second relay means to said intervalometer means whereby upon the closure of said bomb release switch means and the emission of an electrical pulse from said intervalometer means said first relay means is energized and said first and second switches of said first relay means close causing the firing of said first release means and the energization of said second relay means, whereupon the energization of said second relay means immediately disconnects the ground of said first relay means by closing said first, switch, of said second relay means and connects said second relay means to said intervalometer means via said third electrical conduit means for the duration of the pulse by closing said second switch of said second relay means, said first switch of said first relay means being opened upon the closing of said first switch of said second relay means, the firing of said first release means causing the operation of said shunt switch means therein and immediately connects said second release means to said first electrical conduit means causing the firing of said second release means upon the emission of a second pulse from said intervalometer means should. said bomb release switch means remain closed for so long.

5. In a bomb release system, first bomb release means, second bomb release means, a first actuating plunger in said first bomb release means, a second actuating plunger in said second bomb release means, a first spring biasing said first plunger from a cocked position to a fired position, a second spring biasing said second plunger from a cooked position to a fired position, first solenoid means having a first armature adapted to engage and hold said first plunger in a cocked position, second solenoid means having a second armature adapted to engage and hold said second plunger in a cocked position, first shunt switch means operated by said first plunger in said first bomb release means, second shunt switch means. operated by said second plunger in said second bomb release means, electrical conduit means adapted to parallelly connect said first solenoid means and said second solenoid means to a source of electrical energy, said first shunt switch means normally connecting said first solenoid means to the electrical energy source when said first plunger is in a cocked position and putting said second shunt switch means and said second solenoid means in circuit with the electrical energy source when in a fired position, said second shunt switch means connecting said second solenoid means to the electrical energy source when in a cocked position and disconnecting said second solenoid means from the electrical energy source when in a fired position, grounded first relay means having a normally open first switch adapted to control the connection of said electrical conduit means with the electrical energy source, intervalometer means adapted to emit discrete electrical pulses when connected to the electrical energy source, bomb release switch means controlling the connection of said intervalometer means to the electrical energy source, said first relay means closing said first relay switch when energized by a pulse emitted from said intervallometer means, second relay means, second electrical conduit means electrically connecting said second relay means in parallel with said first relay means and in series with said intervalometer means, said first relay means having a normally-open second switch controlling said second electrical conduit means and the connection of said second relay means with said intervalometer means, said second relay means having a normally closed first switch controlling the connection of said first relay means to ground, and third electrical conduit means connecting said second relay means to said intervalometer means, and said second relay means having a normally open second switch in said third electrical conduit means controlling the connection of said second relay means to said intervalometer means.

6. In a bomb release system, first bomb release means, second bomb release means, first solenoid means in said first bomb release means, second solenoid means in said second bomb release means, first shunt switch means operated by said first bomb release means, second shunt switch means operated by said second bomb release means, electrical conduit means adapted to parallelly connect said first solenoid means and said second solenoid means to a source of electrical energy, said first shunt switch means normally connecting said first solenoid means to the electrical energy source when said first bomb release means is cocked and putting said second shunt switch means and said second solenoid means in circuitwith the electrical energy source when said first bomb release means has been fired, said second shunt switch'means connecting said second solenoid means to the electrical energy source when said second bomb release means is cocked and disconnecting said second solenoid means from the electrical energy source when said second bomb release means has been fired, first relay means having a normally open first switch adapted to control the connection of said electrical conduit means with the electrical energy source, intervalometer means adapted to emit discrete electrical pulses when connected to the electrical energy source, said first relay means closing said first relay switch when energized by a pulse emitted from said intervalometer means, second relay means, second electrical conduit means electrically connecting said second relay means in parallel with said first relay means and in series with said intervalometer means, said first relay means having a normally-open second switch controlling said second electrical conduit means and the connection of said second relay means with said intervalometer means, said second relay means having a normally closed first switch controlling the connection of said first relay means to ground, and third electrical conduit means connecting said second relay means to said intervalometer, and said second relay means having a normally open second switch in said third electrical conduit means controlling the connection of said second relay means to said intervalometer means whereby upon the emission of an electrical pulse from said intervalometer means said first relay means is energized and said first and second switches of said first relay means close causing the firing of said first release means and the energization of said second relay means, whereupon the energization of said second relay means immediately disconnects the ground of said first relay means by closing said first switch of said second relay means and connects said second relay means to said intervalometer means via said third electrical conduit means for the duration of the pulse by closing said second switch of said second relay means, said first switch of said first relay-means beingopened upon the closing of said. first switch of said second relay means, the firing of said first release means causing the operation of said shunt switch means therein and immediately connects said second release means to said first electrical conduit means causing the firing of said second release means upon the emission of a second pulse from said intervalometer means.

7. In an electrical control system, electrical conduit means adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy, first relay means having a normally open first relay switch adapted to control the connection of said electrical conduit means with the electrical energy source, means for emitting discrete electrical direct current pulses, said first relay means closing said first relay switch when energized by a direct current pulse from said pulse emitting means, second relay means, second electrical conduit means electrically connecting said second relay means in parallel with said first relay means between said pulse emitting means and ground, said second relay means having normally-open second switch controlling said second electrical conduit means and the connection of said second relay means with said pulse emitting means, said second relay means having a normally closed first relay switch controlling the connection of said first relay means to ground, and third electrical conduit means connecting said second relay means to said pulse emitting means, and said first relay means having a normally open second relay switch in said third electrical conduit means controlling the connection of said second relay means to said pulse emitting means whereby the duration of closure of said first relay switch is shorter than the duration of the pulse emitted.

References Cited in the file of this patent Bell Jan. 24, 1939 Hooven June 13, 1944 Boyer Jan. 13, 1959 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE. OF CORRECTION Patent Nor. 2 99l 7OO July 11" 1961 Mitchel DO Sholtz It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 2,, line 23 strike out the comma third occurrence; llne 41 for "rfom" read from column 4, line 6 for "seres" read series Signed and sealed this 26th day of June 1962 SEAL) Attest:

DAVID L. LADD Commissioner of Patents ERNEST We SWIDER v I Attesting Officer UNITED STATES PATENT OFF'ICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent N00 2391, 700 July 11 1961 Mitchell Do Sholtz It is hereby certified that errer appears in the above numbered patest. requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 2 line 23 strike out the sonrnme third occurrence; llne 41 for Mom read from -5 column 4, line 6 for 'seres" read series Signed and sealed this 26th day of June 1962;

( SEAL) Atteet:

ERNEST w SWIDER DAVID LADD Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

